By ADAM ATKINSON

CANTON -- The businesses and community of Canton, with various local organizations are hosting the fourth annual Downtown STOMP event on Friday, Sept. 14.

The event, is designed to build relationships between college students attending SUNY Canton and St. Lawrence University and local businesses. Participating businesses are offering incentives for students who stop by during business hours.

Students receive a passport that they get stamped at participating businesses. Many businesses also give free food, swag, or discounts when a students visits, said one of the organizers, Rainbow Crabtree.

"The Downtown Stomp is a way for businesses within the Village to highlight their offerings to students in a fun and interactive manner,” Crabtree said. “It is our hope that the Downtown Stomp will facilitate a connection and help engage students with our thriving business community."

The main Stomp tent will be set up at Village Green Park, where passports are picked up and submitted.

Music at the park will be provided by DJ RB Nice. Student clubs will provide free henna tattoos and games, St Lawrence County Maple Association's maple cotton candy will be available, and other events are planned by local churches and organizations.

A free shuttle bus will run from the Village Green, to the footbridge on Riverside Drive, to the Price Chopper so students can visit businesses on the outer edges of town.

Students that visit at least 25 businesses can enter to win one of ten $30 Canton Chamber of Commerce gift certificates that can be used at any business that is a member of the Canton Chamber.

Prize winners will be announced at 7 p.m. and must be present at the Canton Village Green to win. The grand prize of a smart TV will go to the student who visited the most businesses.

"We are building momentum and recognition for this event on the college campuses, and expect an increase in participation this year with the addition of student clubs joining our event at the village green," said Crabtree. "There are over 50 Canton businesses and organizations participating in this year's event. We are excited to introduce SUNY Canton and St. Lawrence University students to all that Canton has to offer."

"I'm really proud of this collaborative effort between the Canton businesses community, SUNY Canton and St. Lawrence University Student Activities offices, Canton Chamber of Commerce, and Canton Office of Economic Development," the organizer said.

The TAUNY Center will be open for the event from 3-7 p.m. and will feature discounts on soap, jewelry, and upcycled and handmade winterwear. The Center will also feature live old-time music from 3-5 p.m.